coral

noun

cor·​al ˈkȯr-əl 

ˈkär-

1

a

: the calcareous or horny skeletal deposit produced by anthozoan or rarely hydrozoan polyps

especially : a richly red precious coral secreted by a gorgonian (genus Corallium)

b

: a polyp or polyp colony together with its membranes and skeleton

2

: a piece of coral and especially of red coral

3

a

: a bright reddish ovary (as of a lobster or scallop)

b

: a deep pink

coral adjective

coralloid

ˈkȯr-ə-ˌlȯid 

ˈkär-

adjective

Examples of coral in a Sentence

brightly colored fishes swimming among the coral

Recent Examples on the Web

Each shoe’s midsole is blocked in a darker hue with the Magic Blue pair getting a navy shade and the Dried Orange pair leaning toward coral. —Riley Jones, Footwear News, 3 May 2026

Showy, tubular blooms draw scores of hummingbirds and butterflies, with flowers ranging in color from reds and pinks to sunny yellow, soft coral, crisp white, and rich blue-violet. —Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 2 May 2026

The layout is straightforward but generous, with three bedrooms (two en suite) branching off a central living area that stays oriented toward the San Jacintos, and a largely white backdrop is warmed up with hints of coral, mustard, and other sunbaked tones. —Kristine Hansen, Architectural Digest, 30 Apr. 2026

Soneva Fushi, Gili Lankanfushi, Kudadoo Maldives Private Island, and Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Landaa Giraavaru employ several sustainable practices, from recycling plastic and glass onsite to using solar power and helping regenerate coral. —Shradha Shahani, Condé Nast Traveler, 28 Apr. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Latin corallium, from Greek korallion

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing coral

• brain coral
• coral bells
• coral reef
• coral snake
• elkhorn coral
• fire coral
• red coral
• staghorn coral

Rhymes for coral

• aural
• chloral
• choral
• floral
• forel
• lauryl
• loral
• moral
• quarrel
• sorel
• sorrel
• toral

Kids Definition

coral

noun

cor·​al ˈkȯr-əl 

ˈkär-

1

a

: the stony or horny deposit that is composed of the skeletons of various polyps

especially : a richly red coral used in jewelry

b

: a polyp or polyp colony together with its membranes and skeleton

2

: a deep pink

coral adjective